BAGMA Bulletin Magazine March - April 2023

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“The best thing about BAGMA is that the information, support, advice and services offered are invaluable to small and large businesses alike.”

Brian Sangster, BAGMA member, past president

It’s going to be a busy time for Nick

BAGMA president Peter Arrand welcomes new general manager Nick Darking and the various initiatives to get the next generation excited about landbased careers…

ARRAND PRESIDENT BAGMA

WELCOME, NOT ONLY to this edition of the magazine but also a warm welcome to Nick Darking as the new general manager of BAGMA. Nick will be building on the legacy of departing director Keith Christian. Thank you, Keith, for your work and years of service and commitment, not only for BAGMA but the industry and I am sure it will not be the last we see of you.

Nick was appointed after a robust selection process and brings with him more than 30 years of industry experience and knowledge. Nick has extensive experience with dealers and customers in all our sectors. I wish him well in his new role.

Nick will undoubtedly be busy settling into his new role and busy is what I would describe the start of 2023 for BAGMA. There have already been several events and shows that the team have attended including the excellent, well organised and well attended Scottish Regional meeting in February at

Ingliston House, the home of the Royal Highland Show.

It has also been a busy time promoting careers within our industry with the launch of ‘We are landbased’ (see page 12). The next generation is the key to success of our industry and the initiative enables us to showcase what is on offer in our fast-moving environment. We all agree that we need to attract and recruit for a wide range of roles across the sector and hopefully we can showcase the real value of landbased engineering career choices within our industry.

Lantra has also taken on the challenge to help attract new talent, and retain existing expertise in the sector, with the launch of its new website.

National Apprenticeship Week and National Careers Week have now taken place. Consultation regarding the Scotish apprenticeship is underway and more information regarding T Levels starting in 2023 is avaliable.

So, there is no better time to engage with schools and career leads as they will be moni toring and discussing with students their future plans. Promotion within schools for apprenticeships and T Levels are high on the Government’s agenda as options that should be promoted alongside further or higher education.

ISSUE 38

MARCHAPRIL 2023

2 NEWS Chandlers Farm Equipment extends its newly-acquired JCB franchise into the Cotswolds; BAGMA members are the best…

6 EXPERTS

Tips on using social media for marketing, and on risk assessments in the workplace

7 ON THE MAP

BAGMA has launched a new locator tool to help customers find members’ dealerships…

8 COVER STORY

Getting to know Nick Darking, who takes the reins at BAGMA on March 13

11 TIME

The saga of the BAGMA Clock at Ingliston House, Edinburgh

12 SPECIAL FEATURE

Details of the new recruitment campaign ‘We Are Land-based Engineering’

14 OUT & ABOUT BAGMA attends a new show in Devon, the 63rd Ernest Doe show and the first Scottish Region meeting in three years

The membership magazine of the British Agricultural & Garden Machinery Association

Editor Chris Boiling 07713 192344 chrisboiling@live.com

Design Alan Bingle 07949 024737 alan@forty6design.com

Advertising and media enquiries

Stephanie Young 01295 713344 stephanie.young@bagma.com

BAGMA, Samuelson House, 62 Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8JB. 01295 713344 bagma.com

BAGMA president

Peter Arrand

BAGMA general manager

Nick Darking nick.darking@bagma.com

BAGMA business development manager

Richard Jenkins 07432 290605

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the material published in BAGMA Bulletin. BAGMA can accept no responsibility for claims made by manufacturers, advertisers or contributors. Views expressed by advertisers or contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or of BAGMA. Advertisers in BAGMA Bulletin are not agents of BAGMA or any of their associated businesses. Also, BAGMA and its associated businesses never act as agents for any advertisers. Printed in the UK by Stephens & George.

COMMENT

PETER

THE 'WE ARE LANDBASED' INITIATIVE ENABLES US TO SHOWCASE WHAT IS ON OFFER IN OUR FAST-MOVING ENVIRONMENT

LE-TEC COMPETITION

LE-TEC has launched its Technician of the Year Competition. With prizes from Makita, Stihl and more, now is a great time to get your technicians to enter! https://bagma.com/news/technician-ofthe-year-competition/

NEW SALES DIRECTOR

Mark Smith has left John Deere and joined Tallis Amos Group as agricultural sales director (East). Managing director Ben Tallis said: “We have plans to double our turnover to £120m within four years. This appointment illustrates the ambition of the company and our desire to recruit first-class people to help drive this journey.”

QUIET FEBRUARY

February generally sees relatively small levels of tractors registered, as buyers wait for the new registration plates in March. This year was no exception, with only 487 agricultural tractors registered during February 2023, the lowest number for any month since 2015. That was 15% fewer than in the same month last year, although the high level of registrations in January means that the total for the year to date was still 6% higher than in the opening two months of 2022.

T LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS

The T Level in agriculture, environmental and animal care will be going live this September. This qualification includes land-based engineering as an occupational specialism. In preparation for delivery, and throughout the lifetime of the qualification, employer involvement is key. There are a number of ways employers and individuals working in industry can be involved, including: validation of assessment materials, reviews, joining the T Level Employer Strategy Group, or becoming an ambassador. If you are interested, contact Sally Green at sally.green@ cityandguilds.com.

FENDT’S 20,000 OUTPUT

German tractor manufacturer Fendt built 20,000 machines in 2022. The 20,000th was a 724 Vario model.

Chandlers expands into the Cotswolds

Chandlers Farm Equipment is investing in a JCB depot at Cirencester, Gloucestershire, as it extends its newly-acquired JCB franchise into the Cotswolds. The move follows the merger of JCB dealer Ross Farm Machinery into the Chandlers group, with the new Chandlers RFM JCB operation continuing to work out of existing branches at Raglan for Monmouthshire, Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire and Martley in Worcestershire. The Martley and new Cirencester depots will become specialist hubs for managing JCB sales, service and parts.

Tractor Fest celebrates John Deere Model D

TRACTOR FEST, THE UK’s largest festival dedicated to tractors and stationary engines, will return this summer with more than 1,000 vintage and modern tractors, 600 stationary engines as well as commercial vehicles, cars, trucks and motorcycles.

This year’s event at Newby Hall, near Ripon, will also celebrate 100 years of the iconic John Deere Model D Tractor. Manufactured between 1923 and 1953, the steel-wheeled Model D enjoyed the longest production run of any of the green and yellow manufacturer’s tractors.

More than 159,000 Ds were manufactured, with different variations and improvements coming through the years of production. The first Ds came equipped with a two-cylinder engine with an open spoke flywheel and these early tractors came to be known as ‘spoker’ Ds.

These spoked wheels, which were prone to cracking, had gone by 1925 – solid wheels taking their place.

Also marking its centenary at Tractor Fest (June 10 and 11) will be MG, whose cars will feature in a special exhibition at the event.

BAGMA members are the best

BAGMA MEMBERS HAVE collected many significant awards recently.

Lloyd Ltd has been named Overall UK Dealer of the Year by New Holland. Another member, Ravenhill, collected the awards for Medium UK Dealer of the Year and Tractor Dealer.

Ernest Doe & Sons was named New Holland’s Hay & Forage Dealer of the Year and Telehandler Dealer of the Year. Agricar also collected a brace of titles at the event in Basildon: Aftersales Dealer of the Year and Implements Dealer of the Year.

Ventrac has named Price Turfcare as its European Distributor of the Year. Commenting on the success of the business, Ventrac’s international sales manager Tyler Dickie said: “The effort that Rupert Price and his small team put into gener-

ating new business in the UK and Ireland is phenomenal… If I could clone their business model I would, but I also know that their success is down to the incredible drive and determination from the top downwards.”

Spearhead has named family-run dealer Olivers, which has five branches, as its 2022 Dealer of the Year.

At the Polaris UK and Ireland dealer conference, Davies Tractors was presented with the award for Outstanding Dealer while the Dealer of the Year title went to Clwyd Agricultural, for its expectational levels of customer service, aftersales, business development and growth.

We knew BAGMA members were the best, and this success confirms it!

Hydrogen-powered tractor market to double by 2030

THE GLOBAL HYDROGEN-POWERED

tractor market – valued at $1.45bn last year – is projected to more than double over the coming years: reaching $3.86bn by 2030.

That’s according to a report published by Cognitive Market Research. The boost comes from the increasing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the rising modernisation of agricultural activities, and the high applicability of hydrogen fuel. For instance, US-based alternative fuel technology and electric vehicle company Cenntro Electric Group has launched its first hydrogenpowered class 8 semi-tractor, the LMH864.

At the agricultural robotics fair World FIRA in Toulouse, France, last month, French manufacturer EXXACT Robotics stood out

CNH brands to increase their automation offerings

FOLLOWING THE ACQUISITION of Raven Technologies, CNH Industrial is upping its offer in the fields of automation and autonomy. Both Case IH and New Holland will benefit.

The target, it says, is “to automate the entire farming fleet”.

The autonomous T4 Electric Power tractor, which was developed in association with the small California-based start-up Monarch Tractor, is slated for market release later this year.

Another development is the Driver Assist Harvest Solution system for tractors which, according to the company, “keeps the tractor perfectly in sync with the combine harvester when unloading grain – giving the combine operator seamless control over the unloading process”.

CNH is also expected to launch a Driverless Tillage Solution, which is built on technology imported from Raven as well as the substantial autonomous technology CNH had already developed in-house.

from the crowd of electric-powered robots with its TRAXX Concept H2 (pictured), the first autonomous hydrogen-powered straddle tractor for vineyards.

Major findings in the Cognitive Market Research study include:

● Increasing adoption of hydrogen fuel in various industries such as automotive, chemical, and others, coupled with increasing government initiatives to clean energy, are creating potential revenue opportunities for players in the hydrogen-powered tractor market;

● Increasing modernisation of agricultural activities, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and high applicability of hydrogen as a fuel are factors expected to drive the growth of the

global hydrogen-powered tractors market in the coming year;

● Among the installations, the hydrogen-powered tractor market segmentation includes retrofit and OEM. The OEM segment is expected to hold the highest share of 69.4% and maintain it over the forecast period. However, the retrofit segment is estimated to register a significant revenue share of 30.6% and the highest CAGR of 15.4% over the forecast period.

College buys electric UTV from dealer

BORDERS COLLEGE HAS become the first college in Scotland to purchase and deploy a fully electric utility-terrain electric vehicle.

The brand new ‘HiSun Beast 4x4 utilityterrain vehicle’ is now in service at the college’s Newtown St Boswells Campus, with students and staff using the Beast on a daily basis to carry out practical learning activities as part of a number of courses at the campus, which include modern agriculture, service engineering, gamekeeping and landscaping.

Purchased from local company Henderson Grass Machinery as part of the college’s ongoing ‘drive’ towards sustainability, the top-ofthe-range Sector 15 kW is seen as an everyday

workhorse, with plenty of power and torque to tackle the most challenging of terrains.

College lecturer Dave Black, one of the staff instructing students on the safe use of the ‘Beast’, commented: “As a college that always strives to be as sustainable as possible, we first came across the idea of an electric all-terrain vehicle (ATV) when we were delivering ATV training on Knoydart, and again on the Isle of Ghia, where both communities were starting to use electric ATVs.

“After evaluating and testing a number of electric options we found that the HiSun vehicle met the needs of the college more than the others.”

Jail for owner of crash tractor with defective brakes

The importance of brake and trailer testing was brought to the fore at a recent High Court case in Scotland.

Farmer Andrew Grant was jailed for a year after breaching health and safety laws – he was found guilty of failing to maintain a tractor and trailer that crushed and killed a 60-year-old motorist.

The accident also seriously injured one of his workers, who was driving the defective vehicle, and two other drivers.

The brakes on the tractor and the trailer, which was loaded with a 13-tonne digger, failed to slow the vehicles on a steep hill on the outskirts of Glasgow and crashed into other vehicles.

During his trial in Livingston, Grant had been facing an accusation of culpable homicide, but a jury acquitted him of that charge.

Zetor joins BAGMA as associate member

BAGMA HAS A new associate member – tractor supplier Zetor UK.

Richard Jenkins, BAGMA’s business development manager, met with Nigel Wilson, managing director of Zetor UK Ltd, at the recent West Country Farming and Agricultural Show in the Westpoint Arena, Exeter.

Although BAGMA is a dealer trade association, it does have several associate members, including service providers, training companies and industry partners.

Nigel explained: “The value of such organisations can easily be overlooked; we feel it is important to engage and support in all progressive activities that help gain our mutual industries the recognition they deserve. Here at Zetor UK Ltd we are really enjoy ing something of a renaissance peri od, with the straightforward HP tractor being something of a vogue product, this has led to an increase in new dealer interest from several key areas. We are continually looking to expand our network with the right partners and pride ourselves on making business easy, also having our UK HQ and parts operation is a great benefit for our brand in the UK.

“We look forward to being an active member of BAGMA and indeed have always supported the great work done by the association.”

RHS calls for new exhibitors

THE ROYAL HIGHLAND

Show – Scotland’s key show for food, farming, and rural life – is inviting new trade exhibitors to apply for a stand at what is anticipated to be one of the biggest shows ever. As many as 210,000 showgoers are expected to pass through the gates of the Ingliston showground from June 22-25, according to the organisers.

New for 2023 is a buyer’s

event, which will see food, drink, and homeware businesses showcase their wares to an audience of well-known brands. Another addition is the Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing and Woolhandling Championship, which is expected to attract competitors from more than 30 countries.

Any queries can be emailed to tradestands@rhass.org.

Merlo UK expands with Lister Wilder

MERLO UK HAS picked BAGMA member Lister Wilder to represent its products across a significantly increased territory.

“Following an announcement at the end of 2022 that Chandlers Farm Equipment would be moving its focus into other product areas, we have been working hard to secure a stable and longterm partner for the Merlo franchise in the area,” commented Shaun Groom, general manager at Merlo UK. “We are delighted to be able to announce the further strengthening of our relationship with Lister Wilder with the expansion of their territory for Merlo”.

Effective from March 1, the Merlo Agricultural telescopic handler range, Cingo tracked carriers, TreEmme attachments and forestry tractors will all be represented by Lister Wilder in an area stretching from Bristol in the west to Windsor in the east.

Phill Hughes, sales & hire director at Lister Wilder, said: “We are under no illusion as to the

responsibility that this announcement brings, these machines are widely accepted as one of the most frequently used and relied upon machines on farm, so good back-up is paramount. We have welcomed new team members to Lister Wilder to ensure this is the case and are now ready to hit the ground running.”

From left: Robin Cooch (national aftersales manager, Merlo UK), Toby Bennet (head of sales, Lister Wilder), Charlie King (managing director, Lister Wilder), Phill Hughes (sales & hire director, Lister Wilder), Shaun Groom (general manager, Merlo UK).

‘Stay strong and protect your independence’

COMMENT

KEITH CHRISTIAN DIRECTOR BAGMA

BAGMA’s director Keith Christian bows out with a few final thanks…

You can all breathe a sigh of relieve as this is my last posting as director. I will retire at the end of March.

My departure has been prolonged because my successor has not been able to start until early March and there is a need for a handover to ensure continuity of service to our members and the industry

as a whole.

I would like to welcome Nick Darking on board as our new general manager. He will be in post just as this edition of the BAGMA Bulletin hits the streets. You can find out more about Nick on page 8 of this issue. Nick will no doubt be out and about as much as he can and will be attending shows and events to familiarise himself with our members and his new job. Please make him welcome and let him know what you need from BAGMA.

For me, it remains to thank the industry as whole for a wonderful career, a great time and many great friendships. I would especially like to thank the BAGMA team for their amazing support and

contribution to BAGMA and their huge commitment to making our transfer to our new home at the AEA so successful. Thank you as well to the small team that makes sure the BAGMA Bulletin goes out when it should and is still the very independent and varied read that it is.

My thanks and appreciation also go to the members of the BAGMA Council who give their time freely to represent the membership of BAGMA as well as the wider interests of the industry behind the scenes and mostly in ways that are rarely seen by others.

A big thank you to Ruth Bailey and the AEA team and the Board of the AEA for providing BAGMA with a new home and having the faith to ensure that

our industry is represented and supported at both the dealer and manufacturer/ supplier level. It was a massive commitment and one that has been thoroughly supported and diligently respected to ensure the dealer community has an independent voice and a strong representative trade association.

To our BAGMA members and to the dealer network as a whole I would also say thank you for your support and contribution to BAGMA and to myself personally. I have always believed in the dealer network and constantly been amazed at how resilient and innovative it can be. Stay strong and protect your independence which makes you all so unique and able to sustain your businesses.

What is the difference between a risk assessment and a method statement?

SAFETY

PAUL MARSH Office manager SafetyAide

RISK ASSESSMENTS AND method statements are two types of safety document that are often referred to as RAMS. What’s the difference between them and are they both necessary?

When it comes to paperwork it’s essential to have clear, concise documents that are job specific. For most low-risk activities, a risk assessment will suffice, but in higher-risk tasks a separate safe system of work, or method statement, should be put in place.

What’s a risk assessment?

If you need help in completing risk assessment and safe working practices, Safety Aide is here to help. We offer a bespoke risk assessment and safe working practice service.

A risk assessment is a careful examination of anything in your workplace that could cause harm to people, via accidents or ill health. It’s a process that includes identifying who may be harmed and how, deciding on how likely and serious the harm may be, evaluating that risk and reducing it by implementing controls, recording your findings and reviewing them regularly.

What’s its purpose?

A well written risk assessment will help you decide if you are doing enough to

protect your workforce and others from harm, such as whether you are providing enough training, the correct PPE etc. It will help meet your legal obligations as regulation 3 Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires you to assess the risks of any works being undertaken. A risk assessment will also help your business by reducing the possibility of costly accidents, giving you better operational performance without downtime for dealing with and investigating accidents; a reduced prosecution risk; and potentially lower insurance premiums.

What’s a method statement?

A method statement or safe working practices are a procedure which results from a systematic examination of the task to identify each separate step and to define the safest way of complet-

Social media posting is just like a good G&T…

MARKETING

MARY PERRY Owner ME Marketing and Events

LET’S TALK ABOUT frequency of social media posts. Initially, you need to decide what’s right for you, how often are you wanting to show up? Twice a week? More? Set a realistic goal – consistency is what we are trying to achieve here. And Facebook likes this.

I like to compare frequency to a good gin and tonic. (Trust me!)

The gin: A well-constructed post with a clear objective (relationship building, sales, company focus) accompanied by some attention-grabbing photos or video with all the twiddly bits of tagging pages and checking in at locations.

The tonic: Posting it at the right time. Using the right hashtags to ensure engagement and reach.

Perfect! It’s punchy, it’s grabbed attention and all your work can be

enjoyed. But what if you add more? Let’s say you add more tonic and dilute our perfect G&T (criminal!)

When you have a sporadic approach to social media or, more commonly, have too many team members with access, you end up with lots of random posts, no clear message and too much of one objective.

We still need to be reactive and there will always be content that is last min ute, but try to keep the majority strong and punchy. Just like a good gin and tonic, don’t dilute your message!

ing it, eg. before opening guard doors ensure that safety glasses are worn.

Chicken and egg?

As they are similar, many safety managers are confused as to which comes first or even if both documents need to be completed. In fact, you cannot write a method statement if you do not know what the hazards are, so it’s essential to do your risk assessment first and then define the safest way of performing a medium to high-risk task from beginning to completion.

How do they complement each other?

A risk assessment simply looks at the hazards that are presented and suggests control measures to try to reduce them. A method statement uses that information and produces a step-bystep instruction on how to undertake the task safely.

A risk assessment identifies and controls the hazards and a method statement is an instruction on how to complete a task safely.

A WELL WRITTEN RISK ASSESSMENT WILL HELP YOU DECIDE IF YOU ARE DOING ENOUGH TO PROTECT YOUR WORKFORCE

WHEN TOO MANY TEAM MEMBERS HAVE ACCESS, YOU END UP WITH LOTS OF RANDOM POSTS AND NO CLEAR MESSAGE

Putting members on the map

BAGMA has launched a new locator tool to help customers find members’ dealerships.

The new BAGMA members locator map shows members’ dealerships by location, so potential customers can search by address and select a distance to show all the members’ dealerships within that specific area.

The map is a representation of members and branches which are shown as either markers or as a group where there are multiple members within an area. To see the grouped markers, users can zoom in on the map. This interactive locator map shows the address, phone number of dealers and shows a link to the website for more information about the dealer.

Scan the QR code to use the Locator Map.

Meet your new general manager

Nick Darking takes the reins at BAGMA on March 13. Let’s get to know him…

NICK DARKING, BAGMA’S new general manager, has more than 30 years of industry knowledge and experience under his belt.

He takes over from Keith Christian after working with a cross-section of customers and dealers in both the agricultural and groundscare sectors. The majority of Nick’s career has been with leading machinery supplier Redexim – where he began in a hands-on role in the workshop, before a long and illustrious career in a sales and support role. It is also here that Nick forged many strong and longstanding relationships with partners across the Redexim dealer network.

In addition to Redexim partners, Nick has also worked closely with industry associations including BIGGA and the Grounds Management Association, and has sat on the AEA’s Outdoor Power Equipment Council for the last 10 years.

Keith commented: “I am pleased to be handing over BAGMA to a person that has a similar industry background to myself and an understanding of the dealer network and their needs in today’s everchanging business world.”

Let’s get to know Nick…

Autocorrect wants to change your name to Darling – has this ever caused a problem?

“All the time but it has never been a problem!”

What are you bringing to BAGMA?

“Over 30 years’ experience in the industry, working with dealers on a daily basis, and an understanding of the struggles they face regularly. I have a reputation for establishing good, long-lasting relationships with dealers which has served me well and I hope the dealers too.”

What do you think will be one of your biggest challenges in your new role?

“Ensuring that BAGMA remains relevant and beneficial to all its members and (hopefully) for a growing number of new members.”

What is your long-term view on the future of dealerships?

“I believe that dealers will play an important part in our industry for a long time to come, manufac-

turers need a route to market. The dealer is best placed to know the needs of the end customer and the natural choice to service an area quickly and efficiently. I see that part of BAGMA’s role is to ensure that the market know the value added by dealers.”

What is your proudest accomplishment so far?

“It would be delivering dealer training to a great dealer network. I started this back in 2007 and it has gone from strength to strength. I still enjoy delivering the training especially to the next generation within dealerships." (Nick is a registered BAGMA Installation and Handover ID card holder.)

What’s your vision for the future of the industry?

“This is a fantastic industry and I have been very proud to work in it. I want to ensure that the next generation understand how good it is with fantastic opportunities; schemes such as We Are Land-Based Engineering (see page 12) will be so key in spreading the message and creating those opportunities.”

How can BAGMA help with the ongoing issues created by Brexit?

“By delivering all the information to its members that they need to be able to comply with any changes imposed. BAGMA being part of the AEA will help provide more information to the members.”

How can the industry become more sustainable?

“We are already seeing changes coming in both in ag and the groundscare sectors, eg. battery powered tractors, solar-powered charging stations, use of less chemicals with more of a return to cultural practices. As an industry, we need to

take responsibility for our actions and I’m proud to say from what I have seen so far, we are doing just that although there is still a lot to be done. Again, this is an area where I hope BAGMA can support its members.”

What are the benefits of a dealer trade association being part of a manufacturer’s trade association, in your opinion?

“Dealers and manufacturers all benefit when the industry is flourishing. BAGMA should be able to provide even more support to its members now it is part of the AEA.”

What was your first job?

“Kitchen fitter.”

When you started working in the Redexim workshop, where did you think you would end up?

“Absolutely no idea. I did know that I had found somewhere that I felt I belonged and wanted to be. I had always loved sport so working in the groundscare industry was a good fit.”

What took you from the workshop into sales?

“By accident, a colleague left the business and I stepped up. I had no idea if I could do it and I was a little nervous to say the least. However, I had great support from inside our business, and incredible support from the Redexim dealers who really put their arm around me.”

What was the biggest lesson going from sales to management?

“In both jobs, you need to be able to listen and take on board the information being given to you; two ears one mouth – nature's way. Somebody told me that many years ago and it has stuck with me ever since.”

What have you achieved on the AEA’s Outdoor Power Equipment Council?

“I have been extremely proud to represent Redexim at the Council for many years and I hope that I have contributed my bit on the issues of the day

I SEE THAT PART OF BAGMA’S ROLE IS TO ENSURE THAT THE MARKET KNOW THE VALUE ADDED BY DEALERS

and the practical help needed by the industry. Exhibitions is always a hot topic; how can they add value as they are a big commitment in both time and money. A key issue is encouraging people to join the industry and that they have a clear path to it. Equally important is that the industry retains longstanding employees that have so much experience to offer.”

What is the first step you take to achieve a goal?

“Have a full understanding of what’s needed then form a plan, not jump in feet first. I think age and time have taught me not to jump in!”

What do you think needs to be done to encourage more people to seek a career in land-based engineering?

“The industry as a whole needs to back schemes such as We Are Land-Based Engineering, from dealers to manufacturers, greenkeepers, groundsmen and farmers need to get behind our fantastic industry and show what the future can hold for those that don’t know who we are.”

What’s your favourite piece of machinery?

“There can only ever be one answer to this question, a Verti-Drain; it has taken me all around the world, changed sporting facilities for the better and given me lifelong friends.”

Which of your five senses would you say is the strongest?

“My hearing is probably my best, so no whispering around me. Eyesight is definitely failing!”

If you had a warning label, what would yours say?

“Like a volcano, I only tend to erupt every 100 years or so.”

What’s your claim to fame?

“I had trials with Watford FC as a youngster.”

If you could trade places with anyone for a week, who would it be and why?

“I would trade places with one of the Beatles at the height of their fame in the 1960s. I have watched documentaries and I am amazed at the adulation they received with complete bewilderment it seemed.”

What do you like to do to relax?

“I love to play golf. I am very middle of the road with the usual mixture of good and bad days. I passed my motorcycle test around 10 years ago so I enjoy sunny days out on the open road. I am most definitely a fair-weather biker and golfer though!

I also have a Fox Red Labrador called Harley who is a great companion and I enjoy walking him, he is not so worried about the weather!”

A KEY ISSUE IS ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO JOIN THE INDUSTRY

Ruth Bailey, CEO of the AEA, and Nick Darking, BAGMA general manager

The Saga of the BAGMA Clock

THERE WAS A ‘time’ when a clock hung as large as life from the walls of Ingliston House, Edinburgh. History has it that it was placed there in 1982 and paid for by exhibitors at the Royal Highland Show in a ’time’ when budgets were plentiful, and companies were generous and pleased to support certain initiatives.

The ravages of ‘time’ sadly eroded this wonderful testament to BAGMA and its many members in Scotland and it was taken down with every intention of being refurbished and re-erected. ‘Time’ passed and the old clock faded into the past in a dusty cupboard in Ingliston House, forgotten amidst the hubbub of a busy world and busy people with no ‘time’ for the past.

Not all had short memories and one amongst us, Ken McKie, took on a crusade of many years to ensure that the once famous BAGMA Clock would look out proudly over the Royal Highland Showground once again, grandly informing all those that passed near it of the ‘time’. Sadly, this was not to be as the old clock was way past its best and refurbishment was not an option.

All was not lost as the crusade was taken up by BAGMA’s man in Scotland, the indomitable Alasdair Straker, a ‘time’ served engineer, who was also passionate about the reincarnation of the BAGMA Clock to its rightful place on Ingliston House. Alasdair, AKA ‘The Commander’, pressganged the then fledgling director of BAGMA, Keith Christian, into joining the crusade and finding the funding to reinstate the BAGMA Clock to its rightful place.

‘Time’ passed and the saga of the clock was revisited many times thanks to the gentle persistence of Ken. The RHASS at last gave approval for a new clock to

be sourced, checked the electrical installations, and okayed the fitting in its original position. Joy and jubilation after all that ‘time’ there was a positive result. The order was placed, a delivery ‘time’ of two months was confirmed, money was raised, not enough, but hey what’s a few quid in such a long saga? Then the dreaded Covid pandemic hit and ‘time’ stood still because of isolation, furloughing, lockdown and every other conceivable inconvenience one can rustle up. ‘Time’ was really not the companion of the BAGMA Clock.

Now, in what may be considered to be post-pandemic period, the ‘time’ has come to get the clock delivered and proudly displayed to one of the largest groups to attend a BAGMA Scottish Regional Meeting in February of 2023. Guess what? When the clock was set up for a test the ‘time’ it kept ran slow, a bit like this saga really. The reason given was the wrong mechanism was used and the correct one had to be delivered from Italy but would take ‘time’ because of the delays caused in Customs by the new BREXIT rules. Well, even good Old Father Time would probably have a comment or two about that.

Will the saga ever end? Will the clock ever arrive and be erected in its rightful place overlooking the showground. Of course it will and it will be in ‘time’ for the show in June and we will make a fuss about it and tell our grandchildren and their grandchildren about the saga of the BAGMA Clock when it is proudly looking out over the showground telling everyone who spots it what the ‘time’ is.

Perhaps the moral of this story, or saga, is ‘there is always time to do things you really want to do’, even when it takes 15 years to achieve what you set out to do.

New recruitment campaign targets next generation of talent

What is the ‘We Are Land-based Engineering’ campaign and what’s its significance to dealers?

TOWARDS THE END of last year, the three main advocates of land-based engineering in the UK, the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA), British Agricultural & Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA) and the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE), launched an all-encompassing campaign to promote landbased engineering to a wider audience and demographic. Hoping to showcase what is fantastic and totally remarkable about the industry, the campaign sets out to positively shine a light on what the sector has to offer, looking to attract a new generation of talent to become the next pool of enthusiastic and skilled technicians and engineers.

“Right from the beginning it was understood that we as a sector needed to extend our usual boundaries, we needed to reach out a whole lot further to some different demographics, different from those circles than those we are used to,” explained Ruth Bailey CEO AEA. “We realised our message and information needed to reach younger people, those in inner cities, those not from a farming background. We wanted to target those with an interest in engineering but, through a lack of awareness, were heading for the bus and truck depots and the garages that make up the automotive engineering sector.”

The ‘We Are Land-based Engineering’ campaign launched in December 2022 and is now gaining a huge amount of traction. For those of you who have not yet come across it yet, here is a brief re-cap of what it is about and its importance to the sector. Supported and sponsored by the AEA, BAGMA and IAgrE, under the umbrella of LE-TEC, the campaign is about providing schoolchildren, parents, and teachers with as much information as possible in regard to the educational routes into land-based engineering. In doing so, it highlights what a vibrant and rewarding career choice it can be

at the same time. The aim is to show how interesting and varied a career in the sector can be, through its innovation, its technology, and the part it plays in the environment, but also that it is rewarding and progressive with qualifications and opportunities that would match any other career choice.

So what information is available as part of the campaign?

The main hub of information is held on the website. www.WeAreLandbased.Engineering. It tells the story of the different facets of the industry such as turfcare, agriculture, forestry, etc, and it then outlines the potential to study for qualifications and follow a career path that is varied and worthwhile. The website is sup ported with leaflets and brochures but is also powerfully reinforced by digital content and promotional videos on an accompanying YouTube channel. The latter of which is getting many 1000s of views.

The information focuses on the technicians themselves discussing their working environ ments, the skills they are learning, and the qualifications they are looking to attain. Many manufacturers and dealers have already been featured in the digital content.

The beauty of the campaign is it is a generic overview of industry. It gives some one on the outside looking in a clear picture of what the industry has to offer. Filmed by in-house resources on location and on premises, the campaign is completely owned and directed by the three organisations. Its aim is to provide information for schools, colleges, students, parents and employers alike, to use and to explore the world that is land-based engineering. It

is meant to offer materials that can be used by the industry in actively seeking recruits and in promoting the profession.

Within the website there is a list of the qualifications, there’s a map of the colleges. Study options include T Levels, apprenticeships, and degree level routes, listing the types of modules and subjects to be learned. There is also a map to search by postcode for your local BAGMA dealer.

Get involved, become an ambassador of the campaign, join us on social media. As an industry, no-one plays a more important role than our dealer network in helping to attract the next generation of technicians and engineers. Not only are the dealers the direct employers of apprentices and newly qualified graduates, but they are also best placed to shout about the industry and its opportunities. And this is where we are asking dealers to get involved, become an ambassador of the campaign, join us on social media and help us spread the word by liking and sharing the ‘We Are Land-based Engineering’ posts. Above all we’d like you to come forward and open your doors to us to come and film your apprentices and university

graduates, for them to tell their story, in their words, about why land-based engineering is one of the coolest career choices out there. And at the same time a little bit of promotional video for your own company doesn’t go amiss either.

The scope is never-ending, always looking for more.

In 2022 a number of such stories were created. The information so far has been provided by industry employers, educational bodies, teachers, students, parents, apprentices, and university graduates. The initial material has focused on those at school with an interest in an engineering career. If we can get to those students who are still mulling over their options and to those teachers who are looking to make their students aware of all opportunities, then the industry will reap the benefits in years to come. But the scope is never-ending.

As well as continuing to increase the digital content of the campaign, filming technicians, employers, and dealers, and creating more promotional videos, the intention is to extend to further groups with different demographics. The next phases lined up will include details about the options in the devolved nations, and we

are delighted to have already attracted interest from across the borders, from both colleges and employers. We are also determined to ensure that as many schools in the country are briefed with the information, so their students receive the full array of options available to them and are not just exposed to the easiest routes to take, such as the path to automotive. But we are also looking to expand the campaign towards the career changers and those sectors who are maybe older, such as the ex-military contingent who are out there, looking for a place to use their learned skills and competencies. There is a great deal to do and we are looking for more.

We need to be as inclusive as possible in order that we capture anyone who is on the fence wondering “is it really for me?” or even those who have no awareness of our industry, just waiting for that one sentence from an apprentice or university graduate to convince them that this is “absolutely the career for me”.

If you require any campaign materials sending to you, please do not hesitate to contact LE-TEC. Please also visit the website www.wearelandbased.engineering and follow @WeAreLandbased on social media channels.

BAGMA visits 20+ members at a new show in Devon

TAKING PLACE AT Westpoint Arena Exeter, the West Country Farming & Machinery Show is a new farming show for the South West.

Aimed at farmers and people involved in farming-related activities across the South West, the show also attracted BAGMA’s business development manager, Richard Jenkins. He was there as the doors opened to catch up with more than 20 BAGMA members exhibiting at the show.

Agricultural companies large and small were there under one roof. By mid-morning the indoor and outdoor aisles were extremely busy and there was a great buzz around the arena. Mason Kings and Vincent’s reported interest from current and new customers, both having excellent stands showcasing their manufacturers’ products.

Another BAGMA member, Ball &

Ball, located in the indoor area, took the opportunity to promote their braking and air-conditioning systems. Sam Ball commented that they were pleasantly surprised at the quality leads secured on the day.

Richard also attended the seminar on road rules and red diesel run by the National Association of Agricultural Contractors and HMRC. The Q&A session provided the opportunity to clarify the situation regarding agricultural vehicles on the road and new red diesel rules. Richard thought the seminar was informative, well put together and well received by the large audience.

Congratulations to the show organisers and to all the dealers who had clearly put a lot into the day. An excellent local show with every exhibitor appealing to those attending, surely one that will be back next year!

Leading the way in dealer shows

This year, BAGMA member Ernest Doe, founded in 1898, celebrated its 125th year of trading with its 63rd show.

BAGMA’s business development manager, Richard Jenkins, was there on day one of the show at Ernest Doe’s headquarters near Maldon, Essex.

Over the past 63 years the show has grown in size and reputation, becoming a firm fixture in the diaries of farmers, groundsmen, construction workers, greenkeepers, arborists, tractor enthusiasts and the local community alike, appealing to visitors of all ages. The DOE

Show 2023 did not disappoint and as the UK’S largest agricultural, construction and groundcare dealer show, it does lead the way in dealer shows.

After early fog, the sky cleared and it remained dry all day. This brought in lots of visitors, including families, retired farmers and customers of Doe’s that had clearly been coming to the show for many years.

There was no auction this year, so all the clearance, ex-demo, exhire and pre-owned machinery was priced to sell – and this looked to have worked as Doe’s reported the largest ever attendance at its show.

Richard spoke with a number of suppliers and they all reported that throughout the three days the show was well attended and should lead to future sales.

TH Whites Machinery Imports was on hand with its new Ferris FRC7 remote-controlled mower, allowing the mower to be operated from a distance of up to 300m and on steep inclines up to 55°! Also on site was Overton with the Rino all-electric mower, available with a number of attachments. Overall another excellent show, well run, a pleasure to attend, and a fitting way for Doe to start its 125th year of trading!

The Scottish Region meets again

AFTER A THREE-YEAR wait, BAGMA’s Scottish Region met at the Royal Highland Show Ground in February for a packed agenda in the boardroom of the Royal Highland Agricultural Show Society. The importance of the meeting was highlighted by a large turnout of members and guests from across Scotland as well as some of BAGMA’s service providers.

Chairman of the Scottish Region Brian Sangster, along with Bob Bruce (secretary) and Alasdair Starker (BAG MA’s man in Scotland), had a very full agenda to deal with across a variety of subjects.

After a welcome from Brian and an overview of what was to happen through the day, Alan Laidlaw (CEO of the RHASS) welcomed everyone to the meeting. Alan spent some time reviewing the show arrangements for 2023 and the improvements and investment being made in the showground that were needed to help with the increasing numbers of visitors to the Highland Show. A significant investment had been made in the new members’ pavilion and the surrounding showground with more planned over several years.

Alan explained the need for online ticket purchases and the control of visitor numbers due to safety issues. He also fielded a lot of questions from those present on various aspects of last year’s show to do with parking, ticketing and exhibitors. The organisation and running of the show is a massive undertaking and involves many organisations locally that have to be happy with safety, traffic control, crowd control and satisfying both exhibitors and visitors whilst making sure that there is an income for the RHASS.

Keith Christian, BAGMA’s outgoing director, updated the group on his replacement due to his retirement and introduced Nick Darking, who takes over at BAGMA this month.

A presentation was made to Keith of a traditional Scottish quaich, a cup of welcome, engraved with a thank you message and a BAGMA logo and a message in Gaelic. This was accompanied by a local bottle of gin.

The business session followed with the regional meeting agenda and a BAGMA presentation by Keith with an update on BAGMA activities and services. An involved discussion

followed about training and education and the differences between the devolved nations and the changes happening to apprenticeships in Scotland. This started a debate on recruitment of new people into the industry and what needed to be done to highlight careers in land-based engineering.

Keith was able to present the new ‘We Are Landbased’ careers campaign (see page 12) to the group explaining that this was just being launched with literature available and a comprehensive website. The campaign was being used to target schools and provide the industry with information that all could use to promote careers in landbased engineering both locally and nationally. This was well received and would be acted on further.

The meeting covered the need to recruit a member to represent BAGMA on the RHASS Board of Directors, a post held by Alasdair Straker for 15 years. There was also a need for a volunteer to take on the chairmanship of the Scottish region in the near future. Prospective candidates should contact Brian Sangster.

It was hoped to present the new BAGMA Clock to the group but unfortunately due to a technical problem the clock could not be delivered on time. The clock will replace the old BAGMA Clock that was on the side of Ingliston House for many years. Keith presented a short story to the group about the saga of the clock (see page 7).

After the official close of the meeting the group was given a guided tour of the new members’ pavilion and the new facilities that support it.

Did you know South Africa has been making wine for 364 years?

Here is a tremendous offer on wines from this ‘New World’ country…

THERE IS A great deal of talk in wine circles about Old World and New World wines. Some supermarkets divide their aisles this way. South Africa is often lumped in with the New World, yet it has been producing wines since the 17th century.

It is now one of the top 10 wine-producing countries in the world. What it offers is good value and a wide variety of wines.

It’s probably best-known for its white wine made from Chenin Blanc and its red wine made from its national grape, Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. I’m also a fan of its Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc white wines, its red blends (which usually feature Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) and its Shiraz (which I often prefer to Australian Shiraz wines).

The Chardonnay that’s on offer to BAGMA members here was recently named the best Chardonnay in The Independent newspaper. But all six wines in the mixed case “punch above their weight”, according to Dan FarrellWright of Wickhams, which handles the FREE delivery for us.

For this month’s offer we’ve rounded up a selection of lovely wines to introduce you to the country and what it has to offer in terms of wine. As well as saving £11, you will also be helping the country – whose wine industry suffered severely during the pandemic – to celebrate 364 years since the first wine was made from Cape grapes. This occasion was noted by Jan van Riebeeck in his diary in 1659: “Today, praise be to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes.” Praise be, indeed!

BAGMA Wine Club’s superb value collection of South African wines

● Aquiline Sauvignon Blanc, Western Cape 2021

● PF Ruby 2017, Stellenbosch

● False Bay ‘Slow’ Chenin Blanc 2022

● Wild House Shiraz 2020, Western Cape

● De Wetshof Estate Bon Vallon ‘Sur Lie’ Chardonnay 2022

● The Earth Beneath Our Feet Pinotage 2015, Franschhoek

If you bought the wines separately, it would cost you £81 but the BAGMA price is £70. This includes delivery.

How to join the club

Firstly, you don’t need to join the BAGMA Wine Club to take advantage of this fantastic offer from Wickhams. Secondly, joining is simple and free. All you need to do is send an email to membership@ bagma.com saying you’re interested in joining. This is mainly so we can contact you with news of special events and offers if they don’t coincide with the publication of the BAGMA Bulletin. If you are new to BAGMA and are wondering why the association has launched a wine club, it’s because our part-time editor Chris Boiling also works in the wine world and we are taking advantage of his great access to great wine offers.

To purchase the case of six bottles, please scan the QR code.

BAGMA Tractor-Trailer Inspection and Brake Testing Course

This new two-day course is for those with several years’ experience of agricultural, horticultural or plant machinery.

It provides technicians with practical guidance in the Brake Performance Testing of Mobile Work Equipment such as tractors and agricultural trailers and trailed appliances (air and hydraulic braking systems), as well as vehicle physical condition inspections, the relevant legislation, areas of responsibility, brake performance testing procedures, methods, recording, and reports.

For further details visit our website via the QR code or call us on 01295 713344 or email info@bagma.com

Agricultural tractor trailer scheme